Students in the Rich Township High School Business & Finance Academy demonstrated their entrepreneurial skills this year through the INCubatoredu program and regional business pitch competitions. During the academy’s annual INCubatoredu Pitch Night, student teams presented investor-ready business concepts developed throughout the school year. Participants identified real-world problems, conducted market research, built business models, and refined their ideas with guidance from mentors and industry professionals.
INCubatoredu provides students with an authentic startup experience, helping them develop skills in innovation, leadership, financial planning, marketing, and professional communication. This year’s event featured a distinguished panel of community partners and business leaders who served as mentors and judges, offering valuable feedback and insight as students pitched their ventures. Teams were evaluated on innovation, feasibility, market potential, and presentation quality, with students impressing judges through their creativity, confidence, and professionalism.
The academy’s success extended beyond Pitch Night as Rich Township students also excelled at Prairie State College’s inaugural Pioneer Pitch Competition. Competing against aspiring entrepreneurs from across the region, Business & Finance Academy students earned both first- and second-place finishes. Together, these experiences provided students with meaningful opportunities to build workplace-ready skills, expand professional networks, and gain real-world business experience. Their achievements reflect the academy’s commitment to preparing students for future success in business, finance, entrepreneurship, and related fields.
